"Very commercial area"

West 17th isn't as notably historic as the east side. It's quite commercial but it looks like how I would imagine a New York street to look in a backlot or something. There's a Gap right on the corner of 17th and 5th and a bunch of other little stores down the street. There's a relatively new bar and restaurant called Rye House right there that has a great Whiskey Selection, decent food and it's very lively with the Flatiron after work crowd. Between 6th and 7th are a few thrift shops and the original location of the department store Barneys. I would look into these thrift shops if you're into that because they often have a better selection than any of the hip area thrift shops. Da Umberto is right here and they have pretty good food if you want a lunch break from 5th avenue shopping. There is an Energy Kitchen on 17th at 8th that is fantastic for take out lunch. It's all healthy, low calorie and delicious!
Mostly apartment buildings and art studios up until the Hudson -- then ,there's the highline. The Highline is a great place to take tourists for a walk but you can pretty much just do it once and not have to do it ever again. West 17th is pretty boring but a couple of my friends live in apartments on 17th in Chelsea and they have great places that are actually pretty reasonable by New York standards.

"Hip, Young, Vibrant"

One of the most vibrant streets of Chelsea, W 17th street is full of great food, shopping, and an overall positive atmosphere. From the expansive liquor store on its 8th ave corner to its diminutive but vast D’AG supermarket further down, along with Nooch (fantastic curry and spring rolls, not to mention the sushi!), and The Energy Kitchen. There is some great thrift shopping between 6th and 7th ave, and of course, some more expensive shopping on 5th ave, but still definitely worth a peek. Transportation, education and other amenities on this street are quite easy to access and excellent in quality. There are always groups of people on the street, so it is okay to feel safe here. Many venues are open late or 24 hours, so you will definitely be able to find something to do here. The community here is exciting.

"Food and Fun in Chelsea"

Located in Chelsea, W. 17th Street is a place with wonderful food, shopping, and very positive street feel. I spent a nice afternoon there with girlfriends, and we made a stop at the Chelsea Market, which harbors wonderful produce and goods. There are a myriad of good restaraunt in Chelsea, though you must try Nooch if you have a chance. The Energy Kitchen is also a great place to eat (try the eggs). If you enjoy thrift stores, you should also go to the Housing Works thrift store between 6th and 7th avenue to find some wonderful unique finds. This is a really fun street and a fun place to spend a day with friend.

"Gay Life in the Big Apple"

While the gay population of New York continues to exit Chelsea for its next venue, 17th Street and eighth avenue in particular continue to be the "Fifth Avenue" for young gay men (and woman) from the midwest with bright light big city dreams. The block and immediate area continues to add new swank properties while the educational, transportation and ease of access are exceptional. Many families make 17th street home, and while an occasional homeless person or drunk may pass out on your doorstep, 17th street is active and vibrant enough to be safe and secure and residential enough to be fairly quite - even at night when the bars, clubs and restaurants are at their best with those midwest boys discovering native boro boys. Considering the property values on neighboring blocks are higher, 17th street is a steal ...well in New York that means a better value - but not by much.